Project aim

ROC's aim is to support and bring hope into the lives of elderly people who are housebound, have no close family or are isolated.

About the project

ROC was founded in 2004 by Debra Green OBE.

ROC brings together community groups, churches, the police, the fire service, local authorities and voluntary agencies to encourage them to work together in positive partnerships for practical ‘on the ground’ change. As a result, statutory agencies have improved access to the support of community/church groups, and thousands of volunteers are enabled to better serve the needs of their community.

ROC Care is an initiative which offers friendship and support to people who are older in life. 1 in 3 elderly people suffer from loneliness and isolation. ROC Care offers a visiting scheme for those who find it hard to get out and about, as well as plenty of activities which people can attend. Activities include; Tea dance, coffee mornings, lunch clubs and learning IT skills.

Over 1 million older people say they are always or often feel lonely.

Nearly half of older people (49% of 65+ UK) say that television or pets are their main form of company.

People with a high degree of loneliness are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as people with a low degree of loneliness.

Nearly half (49%) of all people aged 75 and over live alone.

9% of older people feel trapped in their own home.

Why you should support...

ROC Care really makes a difference to the lives of older people. Our scheme bring friendship to people who are in their later years. For many a ROC Care visit is the only person that an isolated older person will see.

Your support will allow us to train more volunteers and expand the service we offer, every penny will make a huge difference.

Here is what others say...

Building strong and effective partnerships between our police, councils, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local people is the key to transforming our communities and making them safer and stronger. ROC’s innovative work in this field has been exemplary and shows what can be achieved when people and organisations come together with a vision and passion to make a difference.
Tony LloydPolice and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester
Supporting safer communities is a key tenet of the new Northern Ireland Community Safety Strategy, 'Building Safer, Shared and Confident Communities". The newly established Policing and Community Safety Partnerships will be central to the delivery of this Strategy.I was interested to hear of the work of ROC in various areas of Great Britain, and believe ROC has a valuable contribution to make in Northern Ireland. I am keen to see the Department of Justice working with groups and local voluntary bodies to build positive partnerships and find practical solutions to local problems.
David Ford MLANorthern Ireland Minister of Justice
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